Responding to God's Faithfulness: A Journey of Trust

Devotional

Day 1: Receive God's Unfailing Love

God’s love is not based on our worthiness or faithfulness, but is a steadfast reality that He declares over us, even when we doubt or wander. No matter your past or present struggles, God’s first word to you is, “I have loved you.” This love is not just an abstract idea but a personal invitation to receive and rest in His affection, regardless of how you feel about yourself or what you have done. You are not waiting to be loved; you are already loved by God, and nothing can change that truth. [01:05:53]

Malachi 1:2-3 (ESV)
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe that God truly loves you? How might you open your heart today to receive His love in that very place?

Day 2: Lead and Influence Others Faithfully

God calls His people, especially those in positions of influence, to lead with integrity, reverence, and truth, knowing that the way we lead shapes the faithfulness of others. The example of Levi shows that spiritual leadership is not about convenience or comfort, but about guarding knowledge, giving true instruction, and turning others from iniquity. When leaders compromise or become complacent, it leads others astray, but when we lead faithfully, we help others walk in God’s ways. [01:11:12]

Malachi 2:4-9 (ESV)
“So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand,” says the Lord of hosts. “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts, “and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that looks to you for spiritual guidance or encouragement? What is one intentional way you can lead or influence them toward God’s truth this week?

Day 3: Cherish and Honor God’s Covenants

God’s people are called to honor their commitments—both to Him and to one another—by loving faithfully, upholding justice, and living out the covenants He has established, especially in marriage and community. When we break these covenants, we not only hurt others but also dishonor God’s design for blessing and unity. Yet, even when we fail, God invites us to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration, reminding us that His faithfulness endures even when ours falters. [01:18:12]

Malachi 2:14-16; 3:5-6 (ESV)
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Reflection: Is there a relationship or commitment in your life where you need to seek forgiveness, offer forgiveness, or renew your faithfulness? What step can you take today to honor God’s covenant in that area?

Day 4: Trust God by Giving Generously

Giving to God—whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of generosity—is an act of faith that positions us to experience His provision and blessing, not as a formula for wealth, but as a way to surrender our resources and trust Him with our needs. God invites us to “test” Him in this, promising to open the floodgates of heaven when we give with a generous heart, not out of obligation but out of trust in His faithfulness. [01:22:44]

Malachi 3:8-10 (ESV)
“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice generosity today—whether financially, with your time, or with your talents—that requires you to trust God more deeply?

Day 5: Serve God Without Expecting a Reward

Serving God is a privilege and a blessing, not a transaction; even if God never did another thing for us, the gift of salvation through Jesus is more than enough to warrant our lifelong obedience and devotion. Our acts of faith and service are not bargaining chips for God’s favor, but grateful responses to His grace, and when we serve Him with this perspective, we find true joy and purpose, regardless of the outcome. [01:31:31]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been serving God with an expectation of a specific outcome or reward? How can you shift your heart today to serve Him simply out of gratitude for what He has already done?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, both in the lives of individuals and in the story of His people. We began by witnessing the powerful testimonies of those being baptized—each story a reminder that God is still at work, calling people of all ages into new life through Jesus. Baptism is not the finish line, but a launching pad—a public declaration of a personal commitment to Christ, and a step into a lifelong journey of faith.

Turning to the book of Malachi, we explored what it means to live faithfully in response to God’s unchanging love. Malachi’s audience, the returned exiles of Israel, had rebuilt their city and temple, but their hearts had drifted. God’s first words to them were not condemnation, but a declaration: “I have loved you.” This love is not based on our worthiness, but on God’s character. Even when we question or doubt, God’s love remains steadfast.

Malachi challenges us to respond to God’s love in tangible ways. First, by receiving it—not just intellectually, but personally. Second, by leading and influencing others faithfully, especially those in positions of spiritual responsibility. The priests of Malachi’s day had failed in this, allowing worship to become routine and half-hearted. God desires leaders and people whose hearts are marked by reverence, integrity, and a passion for His truth.

We also considered the importance of honoring God’s covenants—especially in marriage and in our relationships with others. God’s people are called to be a blessing, not just recipients of blessing. This extends to our resources: giving generously is an act of faith, positioning us to experience God’s provision. Yet, giving is not a formula for material gain, but a surrender of trust to God’s economy.

Finally, we are reminded that serving God is itself the reward. Even if God never did another thing for us, the gift of salvation through Jesus is more than enough to warrant our lifelong obedience and gratitude. Our faithfulness, especially when outcomes are uncertain, brings joy to our Heavenly Father and shapes us for greater trust in the future. The call is to respond to God’s faithfulness with our own—receiving His love, leading well, honoring our commitments, giving generously, and serving with joy.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s love is the foundation for everything. Before any call to obedience or correction, God declares, “I have loved you.” This love is not contingent on our performance or circumstances. Even when we struggle to see it, God’s love is active, pursuing, and unchanging—inviting us to receive it personally and let it transform our identity and security. [61:43]
2. Faithfulness in leadership shapes the spiritual health of a community. The priests in Malachi’s day failed by allowing worship to become convenient and insincere, leading others astray. True spiritual leadership requires reverence, integrity, and a commitment to God’s truth, knowing that our example either draws others toward God or leads them away. [71:12]
3. God’s covenants are meant to be cherished and protected, not treated lightly. Whether in marriage or in our responsibility to bless others, faithfulness to God’s covenants reflects our love for Him and for our neighbors. Even when we fall short, repentance and forgiveness open the door for God to build something beautiful from our brokenness. [74:49]
4. Generosity is an act of faith that positions us to experience God’s provision. Giving is not about meeting a quota or earning favor, but about trusting God with our resources and participating in His work. God invites us to “test” Him in this, not as a get-rich scheme, but as a way to align our hearts with His and to become conduits of blessing to others. [83:41]
5. Serving God is both a privilege and a response to His grace, not a transaction. Our obedience is not a bargaining chip for blessings, but a grateful response to what God has already done in Christ. Even if God never did another thing for us, the cross is sufficient reason for lifelong faithfulness, and our acts of trust bring joy to the heart of our Father. [91:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:55] - Introduction to Baptism & Testimonies
[21:25] - Blakely’s Story: Joy in Christ
[23:36] - Samantha’s Story: Honest Faith
[26:15] - Facing Fear with God’s Presence
[27:29] - George’s Story: Faith at Work
[33:02] - Baptism Symbolism & Celebration
[55:20] - Family Story: Trust and Faith
[56:36] - Trust Illustrated: The Toss and the Catch
[57:26] - Malachi: Faithfulness in Uncertainty
[61:09] - God’s Love Declared to Israel
[68:08] - The Impact of Spiritual Leadership
[73:19] - Honoring God’s Covenants
[81:19] - Faithful Giving and God’s Provision
[88:21] - Serving God: Motives and Rewards
[94:07] - The Day of the Lord: Hope and Warning
[95:50] - Responding in Faith and Trust

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Malachi 1:1–2:9; 2:10–16; 3:6–12; 3:13–18 (ESV) —
Key passages for this study:

- Malachi 1:2 – “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?”
- Malachi 2:4–9 – God’s covenant with Levi and the failure of the priests.
- Malachi 2:13–16 – God’s covenant about marriage.
- Malachi 3:6–12 – God’s call to faithful giving and the promise to “open the windows of heaven.”
- Malachi 3:13–18 – The people’s questions about serving God and God’s response.

Observation Questions

In Malachi 1:2, what is the very first thing God says to His people, and why is this significant for the rest of the book? ([01:01:09])
According to Malachi 2:4–9, what was the role of the priests, and how did they fail in their responsibilities? ([01:10:12])
What two specific covenants does Malachi mention that the people of Israel were breaking? ([01:13:19])
In Malachi 3:10, what does God invite His people to do regarding their giving, and what does He promise in response? ([01:23:41])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God starts His message to a disobedient people with “I have loved you” instead of a warning or rebuke? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([01:01:43])
The priests allowed worship to become routine and convenient. What are some ways that spiritual leaders (or even regular believers) today might fall into similar patterns? ([01:11:12])
Malachi challenges the people to honor God’s covenants, especially in marriage and in blessing others. Why is faithfulness in these areas so important to God? ([01:14:49])
God says to “test” Him in the area of giving. What does this say about the relationship between faith, trust, and generosity? ([01:23:41])

Application Questions

God’s love is described as unchanging and not based on our performance. Is there a time in your life when you doubted God’s love for you? What helped you move past that doubt, or what would help you now? ([01:01:43])
The sermon talked about how leadership shapes the spiritual health of a community. If you are in a position of influence (parent, teacher, ministry leader, etc.), what is one way you can lead with more integrity and reverence this week? If you’re not in a formal leadership role, how can you encourage those who are? ([01:11:12])
Malachi calls us to honor God’s covenants, especially in marriage and relationships. If you are married, what is one practical way you can cherish and protect your marriage covenant this week? If you’re not married, how can you honor your commitments to others or be a blessing in your relationships? ([01:14:49])
The idea of giving generously is described as an act of faith, not a formula for getting rich. Is there an area of your finances or resources where you feel challenged to trust God more? What would it look like to “test” God in this area, as Malachi describes? ([01:23:41])
The sermon said, “Serving God is itself the reward.” Have you ever found yourself serving God mainly for what you might get in return? How can you shift your mindset to serve out of gratitude for what God has already done? ([01:31:31])
Baptism was described as a launching pad, not a finish line. If you have been baptized, how are you continuing to grow in your faith journey? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? ([17:55])
The message ended with a call to trust God even when outcomes are uncertain. Is there a specific area in your life right now where you need to take a step of faith? What would it look like to trust God with that situation this week? ([01:35:50])

Sermon Clips

You have always been loved. Do you know that? You have always been loved and you will always be loved. You may be waiting on lots of things today. You are not waiting on being loved. [01:05:16] (21 seconds) #AlwaysLovedAlways

There was a posture of Levi's heart that honored God. That is what reverence is, is a posture of the heart that honored God. From this revered heart came true instruction. He walked in peace and integrity with God. And the result was that Levi was used by God to turn many from iniquity, Malachi says. [01:11:59] (29 seconds) #ReverentHeartTransforms

If you've been blessed by God, it's not so that you get to keep the blessing. This is where Israel messed it all up. That God gave Israel unique blessings and access to him so that they might be able to be as the covenant with Abraham was, a blessing to all the nations. [01:20:32] (18 seconds) #BlessingsToBeShared

It's impossible to outgive God. Like, well, that's not money. And I would tell you, it's a far greater resource to give of our best, which are you, treasures of the Holy Spirit living inside of them with talents and skills and abilities to say, hey, we are giving you and trusting you for a year to go and spend a year, 365 days, 52 Sundays, over there, Sundays, Sunday nights, Wednesdays, investing in another, in a sister church that needs help. [01:27:15] (31 seconds) #ImpossibleToOutgive

If God chooses to do nothing else for the rest of your life for you, he has already done more than enough to expect and even to demand our obedience for him. [01:31:05] (16 seconds) #EnoughDoneForObedience

If you have been forgiven by Jesus Christ, if I've been forgiven by Jesus Christ, if his perfect life and his sacrificial death accounted to me, was given to me, if it was given to you, what more would he need to do? What more could he offer us that would be of any real benefit to us that would cause us to lead us, to command us towards serving him any more faithfully than we already should? [01:31:50] (46 seconds) #ForgivenCalledToFaithfulness

As we said earlier, we need to display our faithfulness to God, even when we are not sure how it's gonna turn out. That is the essence of faith, is to be faithful to God in specific actions, even when we're not sure how this is going to turn out. [01:35:15] (16 seconds) #FaithfulWithoutCertainty

When we act in joyful faith to the things that God has prepared for us to walk into, to be able to say, yes, God, I trust you. Because again, there's two things that result from this, these intentional acts of obedience. You know what they are? One, it reveals our current level of trust in God, and also builds on the future levels of faith that we get to walk in. Both get to happen when we trust God. [01:36:04] (42 seconds) #TrustBuildsFaith

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